Calicraft’s taproom opens Friday in Walnut Creek

The Calicraft taproom features wooden staves from wine and whiskey barrels and a pressed-tin bar.

At the age when most kids are dreaming of becoming a firefighter or pilot, Blaine Landberg decided he wanted to brew beer. Back then, he says, he was captivated by the cool labels on bottles his uncle brought over at Christmas.

Fast-forward to 2012, when Landberg opened his Calicraft Brewing Co. in Walnut Creek — after years of experimenting with brewing “Buzzerkeley” beverages at Cal and working to tout another brew, the Honest Tea brand.

Four years later, he’s opening his first taproom on Friday, July 29, in the city’s growing Shadelands district. Besides the 2,000-square-foot taproom, there’s an outdoor beer garden and — talk about farm-to-stein — a sustainable hop field!

Look for a dozen Calicraft beers on tap, including that years-in-the-planning
Buzzerkeley, a sparking ale; Chez Panisse, a farmhouse ale (naturally); Cali Coast, a Kolsch; Double Dub, a double IPA; and Oak Town, a brown ale.

Limited hours will be in effect for Calicraft’s first few days. The taproom, 2700 Mitchell Drive, will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. July 29 and noon to 6 p.m. both July 30 and 31. Check the website for hours on succeeding days: www.calicraft.com.